Thoughts and Musings

Over the past few months I took two trips to learn and create with some very amazing jewelers. It has sent me into a working frenzy and I have enjoyed being hulled up in the studio exploring some new techniques and making new pieces. I am so looking forward to letting these out into the daylight this fall and holiday show season.

Check the shop for updates over the next month or two, and keep an eye on the events page for info regarding where I'll be seeing you!

I have spent a lot of the summer working on my new additions to my collection which I can't wait to release in mid October. Here is a sneak peek at my mood board. Be on the look out for delicate lines, layers and textures, a lot more gold, frosty silver hues, vibrant blues, deep greens, pops of pinks and purples, and with rich neutrals. Follow us on Instagram for first looks at the collection.

Earlier this year I got hooked on a show called The Fashion Fund. The show documents the journey of 10 designers trying to win the CDFA Fashion Fund Designer of the Year Award. There was a plethora of talent last season in both the accessory and clothing fields, but my absolute favorite was Ryan Roche. The textures and pink hues of her clothing are so incredibly feminine but she perfectly marries that femininity with androgynous silhouettes, darker colors, and styling.

I love pink, but I find myself being more drawn to blues, greens and purples when designing because socially pink tends to be too overtly feminine or juvenile. Not the way Ryan Roche does pink. I was immediately inspired by her palette. This fall I will marry my usual blues and purples with pinks, peaches, and grays.

A dear Irish friend of mine turned the big 4-0 this month and some of my family and I decided to join him in Ireland to celebrate. It was an awesome trip filled with friends, good craic, inspiration, the sea, and memories. I can't wait to go back!

My mom and I do not always see eye to eye, but we are always heart to heart. So, I made these 14k gold and fresh water pearl leafy studs just for her. Thank you mom for showering me with infinite support and being my best customer. Happy Mother's day to you and to all the other moms out there.

I have faced some personal and business challenges this year which have required a lot of self reflection and contemplation. In the long scheme of things, heartbreaks and business relationship breakdowns aren't that catastrophic, but at the moment I feel like I am drowning in negativity. I'm not sure if I am completely nuts for doing this at the beginning of show season, but I have decided that my environment needs not just a makeover, but a complete overhaul. What is it that Paulo Coehlo said, "if you're brave enough to say goodbye. life will reward you with a new hello"? So, long story short, I am moving my home and my studio this month.

I will not leave my beloved Long Beach, so it isn't too drastic, but it will take me some time to get things settled. My shop will remain open and in stock items will ship as usual. Custom orders will still be accepted but my timeline for execution will be pushed from 2 weeks to 4 weeks on orders placed through the end of June.

One of the things I love most about my craft is that wearers of jewelry often have an emotional connection or a story behind the jewelry their collection. I love that some of my pieces become future heirlooms, and am just as touched when something brings me their heirloom jewelry for improvements or repairs.

One of my dearest friends is getting married next month and she came to me with her grandma's wedding ring, that just so happens to fit her perfectly. It was a beautifully delicate white gold band that her grandmother had worn for her entire married life. My friend wanted to spruce it up a bit and make it special and hers, so we decided to micro pave set diamonds all the way around. She said "Grandma appreciated bling so I know she wouldn't be upset". Well it turned out gorgeously and it will surely get at least a few more decades of wear.

I am in the desert for a few days making my annual pilgrimage to Mecca, aka the Tucson Gem Show. This is not an event for the faint hearted. This year I am scouting rose cuts, diamonds, and cabochons. Here is a sneak of a few things I have picked up so far.

Now that the holidays are over and all of the surprises I was working on have been gifted, I can show you my favorite ring from this season. My brother commissioned this piece for his special someone and I almost didn't want to let it go when I finished it. I spent at least an hour walking it around the studio watching it morph and shine in different lighting.

I am convinced it is the most beautiful moonstone that ever was! At least I can go visit her in her new home as often as I need.

Come and help us warm the studio with holiday cheer this Sunday, December 14th. We would love for you to nibble appetizers and sip some whiskey sours or mimosas, while discovering where/how our baubles are made and getting some last minute holiday shopping done.

I will be joined by the lovely and talented Jurate Brown and my studio mate Charmaine of Bless the Theory. We all make very different styles of jewelry, so there will be something for everyone at this event.